Hounds Activate NCAA Champ Jake Tripucka

The Charlotte Hounds of Major League Lacrosse today announced they have activated an additional draftee from the class of 2013. Midfielder Jake Tripucka (Duke) will join a group of rookies on the 25-man active roster that includes attack Mike Sawyer (Loyola-Md), long stick midfielder Mason Poli (Bryant), midfielders Matt White (Virginia) and John Haus (Maryland) and defseman Michael McCormack (Yale).

Tripucka in four seasons with the Blue Devils tallied 47 goals and 48 assists, while adding 74 groundballs and 16 caused turnovers. He also contributed to two National Championship titles, the first as a freshman in 2010 and most recently as a senior this past May. Tripucka originally was selected 42nd overall by the Hamilton Nationals at this year’s MLL Collegiate Draft. The Hounds acquired his rights through a trade in January. He now will become teammates with two of his former coaches at Duke, playing alongside attack Matt Danowski and defenseman Joe Cinosky.

The midfielder already has ties to North Carolina, as his father Kelly played in the NBA for 10 years with the Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. Tripucka was born in the Queen City before relocating to Boonton Township, N.J.

In order to active Tripucka, the Hounds had to make other adjustments to their 25-man active roster. The team has placed midfielder Jovan Miller on the Practice Squad.

The Hounds (3-3), in the midst of a three-game home stand and two-game win streak, will next face the Boston Cannons (1-5) at 7:00pm ET on Saturday, June 15. The Cannons are coming off a 16-14 loss to the Rochester Rattlers in Atlanta, GA. Tickets for the game are available at charlottehounds.com/tickets.